Method and apparatus for packet communications in wireless systems

ABSTRACT

Techniques for transmitting and receiving data in an efficient manner to potentially improve capacity for a wireless network and achieve power savings for a wireless device are described. The techniques utilize a Continuous Packet Connectivity (CPC) mode comprised of multiple (e.g., two) discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes and at least one (e.g., one) discontinuous reception (DRX) mode. Each DTX mode is associated with different enabled uplink subframes usable for transmission from the wireless device to the network. Each DRX mode is associated with different enabled downlink subframes usable by the network for transmission to the wireless device. The wireless device may send signaling and/or data on the enabled uplink subframes and may receive signaling and/or data on the enabled downlink subframes. The wireless device may power down during non-enabled subframes to conserve battery power. Mechanisms to quickly transition between the DTX and DRX modes are described.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

The present application for patent claims priority to ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/711,534, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FORPACKET COMMUNICATIONS IN WIRELESS SYSTEMS,” filed Aug. 26, 2005, andProvisional Application Ser. No. 60/793,973, entitled “METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR PACKET COMMUNICATIONS IN WIRELESS SYSTEMS,” filed Apr. 21,2006, both assigned to the assignee hereof, and expressly incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

I. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to communication, and morespecifically to techniques for transmitting and receiving data in awireless communication network.

II. Background

A wireless device (e.g., a cellular phone) in a wireless communicationnetwork may operate in one of several operating modes, such as activeand idle, at any given moment. In the active mode, the wireless devicemay be allocated radio resources by the network and may activelyexchange data with the network, e.g., for a voice or data call. In theidle mode, the wireless device may not be allocated radio resources andmay be monitoring overhead channels transmitted by the network. Thewireless device may transition between the active and idle modes, asnecessary, based on data requirements of the wireless device. Forexample, the wireless device may transition to the active mode wheneverthere is data to send or receive and may transition to the idle modeafter completing the data exchange with the network.

The wireless device may exchange signaling with the network totransition between operating modes. The signaling consumes networkresources and delays data transmission until radio resources areallocated to the wireless device. To avoid the signaling and delay, thewireless device may remain in the active mode for an extended period oftime. However, extended stay in the active mode may result in a waste ofthe allocated radio resources when there is no data to exchange.Furthermore, operation in the active mode may consume more batterypower, which may shorten standby time between battery recharges and talktime when there is data to exchange.

There is therefore a need in the art for techniques to transmit andreceive data in an efficient manner.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention is a wireless device comprising at leastone processor to operate in one of multiple discontinuous transmission(DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in a connected mode, fortransmission to a wireless network, and to operate in one of at leastone discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode, while in theconnected mode, for reception from the wireless network; and a memorycoupled to the at least one processor.

Another embodiment is a wireless device comprising at least oneprocessor to operate in a connected mode for communication with awireless network and to operate in one of multiple discontinuoustransmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in the connected mode,for transmission to a wireless network; and a memory coupled to the atleast one processor.

Another embodiment is a wireless device comprising at least oneprocessor to operate in a connected mode for communication with awireless network and to operate in one of at least one discontinuousreception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode, while in the connected mode, forreception from the wireless network; and a memory coupled to the atleast one processor.

Another embodiment is a method comprising operating in one of multiplediscontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in aconnected mode, for transmission to a wireless network; and operating inone of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode,while in the connected mode, for reception from the wireless network.

Another embodiment is an apparatus comprising means for operating in oneof multiple discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode,while in a connected mode, for transmission to a wireless network; andmeans for operating in one of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX)mode or a no DRX mode, while in the connected mode, for reception fromthe wireless network.

Another embodiment is an apparatus comprising at least one processor toreceive from a wireless device operating in one of multiplediscontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode while in aconnected mode, and to transmit to the wireless device operating in oneof at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX modewhile in the connected mode; and a memory coupled to the at least oneprocessor.

Another embodiment is a method comprising receiving from a wirelessdevice operating in one of multiple discontinuous transmission (DTX)modes or a no DTX mode while in a connected mode; and transmitting tothe wireless device operating in one of at least one discontinuousreception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode while in the connected mode.

Another embodiment is an apparatus comprising means for receiving from awireless device operating in one of multiple discontinuous transmission(DTX) modes or a no DTX mode while in a connected mode; and means fortransmitting to the wireless device operating in one of at least onediscontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode while in theconnected mode.

Various aspects and embodiments of the invention are described infurther detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a 3GPP network.

FIG. 2 shows a state diagram of Radio Resource Control (RRC) states fora User Equipment (UE).

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the CPC mode.

FIG. 4 shows enabled subframes for the CPC mode.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show operation in DTX T1, DTX T2 and DRX modes,respectively.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show exemplary uplink transmissions in the CPC mode.

FIG. 7 shows exemplary downlink and uplink transmissions in the CPCmode.

FIG. 8 shows an event flow for transitioning from DRX mode to NO DRXmode.

FIG. 9 shows a process performed by the UE in the CPC mode.

FIG. 10 shows a process performed by the network for the CPC mode.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of the UE, a Node B, and an RNC.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

The techniques described herein may be used for various wirelesscommunication networks such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)networks, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks, FrequencyDivision Multiple Access (FDMA) networks, and Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA)networks. The terms “network” and “system” are often usedinterchangeably. A CDMA network may implement a radio technology such asW-CDMA, cdma2000, and so on. cdma2000 covers IS-2000, IS-856 and IS-95standards. A TDMA network may implement a radio technology such asGlobal System for Mobile Communications (GSM). These various radiotechnologies and standards are known in the art. W-CDMA and GSM aredescribed in documents from an organization named “3rd GenerationPartnership Project” (3GPP). cdma2000 is described in documents from anorganization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2). Forclarity, the techniques are described below for Universal MobileTelecommunication System (UMTS), which utilizes W-CDMA. UMTS terminologyis used in much of the description below.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a 3GPP/UMTS network 100 that includes aUniversal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) 120 and a corenetwork 150. A UE 110 communicates with a Node B 130 in UTRAN 120. UE110 may be stationary or mobile and may also be referred to as awireless device, a mobile station, a user terminal, a subscriber unit, astation, or some other terminology. UE 110 may be a cellular phone, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device, a wireless modem,and so on. The terms “UE”, “wireless device”, and “user” are usedinterchangeably herein. Node B 130 is generally a fixed station thatcommunicates with the UEs and may also be referred to as a base station,an access point, or some other terminology. Node B 130 providescommunication coverage for a particular geographic area and supportscommunication for UEs located within the coverage area. A Radio NetworkController (RNC) 140 couples to Node B 110 and provides coordination andcontrol for the Node B. Core network 150 may include various networkentities that support various functions such as packet routing, userregistration, mobility management, etc.

UE 110 may communicate with Node B 130 on the downlink and/or uplink atany given moment. The downlink (or forward link) refers to thecommunication link from the Node B to the UE, and the uplink (or reverselink) refers to the communication link from the UE to the Node B.

In UMTS, data is processed as one or more transport channels at a higherlayer. The transport channels may carry data for one or more services,e.g., voice, video, packet data, and so on. The transport channels aremapped to physical channels at a physical layer or Layer 1 (L1). Thephysical channels are channelized with different channelization codesand are orthogonal to one another in code domain.

3GPP Release 5 and later supports High-Speed Downlink Packet Access(HSDPA). 3GPP Release 6 and later supports High-Speed Uplink PacketAccess (HSUPA). HSDPA and HSUPA are sets of channels and procedures thatenable high-speed packet data transmission on the downlink and uplink,respectively. Tables 1 and 2 list some downlink and uplink physicalchannels, respectively, in UMTS. The HS-SCCH, HS-PDSCH, and HS-DPCCH areused for HSDPA. The E-DPCCH, E-DPDCH, and E-HICH are used for HSUPA.

TABLE 1 Downlink Channels Channel Channel Name Description P-CCPCHPrimary Common Control Carry pilot and system Physical Channel framenumber (SFN). Downlink Dedicated Physical Carry pilot, transport formatDPCCH Control Channel combination indicator (TFCI) for downlink DPDCH,and transmit power control (TPC) for uplink. Downlink Dedicated PhysicalCarry packets for the UE. DPDCH Data Channel HS-SCCH Shared ControlChannel Carry format information for for HS-DSCH packets sent onassociated HS-PDSCH. HS-PDSCH High Speed Physical Carry packets fordifferent Downlink Shared Channel UEs. E-HICH E-DCH Hybrid ARQ Carryacknowledgement Indicator Channel (ACK) and negative acknowledgement(NAK) for packets sent on E-DPDCH.

TABLE 2 Uplink Channels Channel Channel Name Description UplinkDedicated Physical Carry pilot, TFCI for DPCCH Control Channel uplinkDPDCH, TPC for downlink, and feedback information (FBI). UplinkDedicated Physical Carry packets from the DPDCH Data Channel UE.HS-DPCCH Dedicated Physical Carry ACK/NAK for Control Channel packetsreceived on for HS-DSCH HS-PDSCH and channel quality indicator (CQI).E-DPCCH E-DCH Dedicated Carry format information, Physical Controlretransmission sequence Channel number, and happy bit for E-DPDCH.E-DPDCH E-DCH Dedicated Carry packets from the UE. Physical Data Channel

FIG. 2 shows a state diagram 200 of the Radio Resource Control (RRC)states for the UE. Upon being powered on, the UE performs cell selectionto find a suitable cell from which the UE can receive service.Thereafter, the UE may transition to an idle mode 210 or a connectedmode 220 depending on whether there is any activity for the UE. In theidle mode, the UE has registered with the UTRAN, is listening for pagingmessages, and updates its location with the UTRAN when necessary. In theconnected mode, the UE can receive and/or transmit data, depending onits RRC state and configuration. The connected mode may also be referredto as a connected state, an active mode, an active state, a trafficstate, a traffic channel state, and so on.

In the connected mode, the UE may be in one of four possible RRCstates—a CELL_DCH state 230, a CELL_FACH state 232, a CELL_PCH state234, or a URA_PCH state 236. The CELL_DCH state is characterized by (1)dedicated physical channels allocated to the UE for the downlink anduplink and (2) a combination of dedicated and shared transport channelsbeing available to the UE. The CELL_FACH state is characterized by (1)no dedicated physical channels allocated to the UE, (2) a default commonor shared transport channel assigned to the UE for use to access theUTRAN, and (3) the UE continually monitoring a Forward Access Channel(FACH) for signaling such as Reconfiguration messages. The CELL_PCH andURA_PCH states are characterized by (1) no dedicated physical channelsallocated to the UE, (2) the UE periodically monitoring a Paging Channel(PCH) for paging messages, and (3) the UE not being permitted totransmit on the uplink. The modes and states for the UE are described in3GPP TS 25.331.

While in the connected mode, the UTRAN can command the UE to be in oneof the four possible states based on activity of the UE. The UE maytransition (1) from the CELL_DCH or CELL_FACH state in the connectedmode to the idle mode by performing a Release RRC Connection procedure,(2) from the idle mode to the CELL_DCH or CELL_FACH state by performingan Establish RRC Connection procedure, (3) between the CELL_DCH andCELL_FACH states by performing a reconfiguration procedure, and (4)between different configurations in the CELL_DCH state by alsoperforming a reconfiguration procedure. These procedures are describedin 3GPP TS 25.331.

In an embodiment, the CELL_DCH state comprises a Continuous PacketConnectivity (CPC) mode 240 and an Active mode 250. The Active mode maycorrespond to operation of the HSDPA and HSUPA channels as described in3GPP Release 6. In the Active mode, data may be sent in any subframe onthe downlink and uplink. A subframe is a time interval in which atransmission may be sent on a link. A subframe may have differentdurations in different networks and/or for different configurations of agiven network. The CPC mode may be used to achieve efficient datatransmission and reception for the UE. The CPC mode may provide powersavings for the UE and/or capacity improvement for the UTRAN.

In an embodiment, while in the CPC mode, radio resources (e.g., physicalchannels) are allocated and states for higher layers (e.g., Layers 2 and3) are maintained, but only a subset of the subframes available on thedownlink and uplink are enabled. The UE may send signaling and/or dataon the enabled uplink subframes and may receive signaling and/or data onthe enabled downlink subframes. The UE may power down certain circuitblocks and subsystems, e.g., its transmitter and/or receiver, during thenon-enabled subframes to conserve battery power.

In general, the CPC mode may include any number of DTX modes, any numberof DRX modes, and/or other modes. Each DTX mode may be associated withdifferent enabled uplink subframes and/or different actions to beperformed by the UE. Each DRX mode may be associated with differentenabled downlink subframes and/or different actions to be performed bythe UE.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the CPC mode. In this embodiment, the CPCmode includes DTX modes 310 and 312, a DRX mode 314, and a NO DRX mode316. DTX mode 310 is also referred to as DTX T1 mode, and DTX mode 312is also referred to as DTX T2 mode. Table 3 lists the DTX and DRX modesin FIG. 3 and provides a short description for each mode.

TABLE 3 Mode Description DTX T1 UE has one enabled subframe in every T1subframes on the uplink. DTX T2 UE has one enabled subframe in every T2subframes on the uplink. DRX UE has one enabled subframe in every Rsubframes on the downlink. NO DRX All subframes on the downlink areenabled.

In general, any values may be selected for T1, T2 and R. In anembodiment, T1, T2 and R are defined such that T1≦T2 and R≦T2. In anembodiment, T1, T2 and R are selected from a set of possible values. Forexample, T1, T2 and R may each be set equal to 1, 4, 8, or 16 and may beexpressed as T1, T2 and Rε{1, 4, 8, 16}. Other sets of possible valuesmay also be used for T1, T2 and R. The possible values may be power oftwos and/or other values. T1=1 means that all uplink subframes areenabled. Similarly, R=1 means that all downlink subframes are enabled.The NO DRX mode may be considered as the DRX mode with R=1.

T1-enabled subframes are enabled subframes for the DTX T1 mode and arespaced apart at intervals of T1 subframes. T2-enabled subframes areenabled subframes for the DTX T2 mode and are spaced apart at intervalsof T2 subframes. R-enabled subframes are enabled subframes for the DRXmode and are spaced apart at intervals of R subframes. In an embodiment,the T2-enabled subframes are a subset of the T1-enabled subframes. Inother embodiments, the T2-enabled subframes may be selectedindependently of the T1-enabled subframes.

In an embodiment, the T1-enabled, T2-enabled, and R-enabled subframesfor the UE are identified by an Offset from a reference time. Thisreference time may be a start time in which the CPC mode is effectivefor the UE and may be given in signaling used to convey CPC parameters.T1, T2 and R define three enabled subframe patterns or sets that startat a subframe where the CPC configuration was effective (the referencetime) plus the Offset. In an embodiment, the parameters of the CPC modecomprise T1, T2, R, Offset, and reference time. The CPC mode may also bedefined based on other parameters. The UTRAN may select suitable valuesfor T1, T2 and R based on various factors such as data activity, networkloading, and so on. The UTRAN may select different Offset values fordifferent UEs to distribute these UEs across the available subframes.

In general, any values may be selected for T1, T2 and R. Differentvalues may be more suitable for different services and/or differentconditions. In an embodiment, the CPC parameters may be set as R=4, T1=4and T2=8 for voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP). This configurationachieves appropriately 50% sleeping periods during a voice session. Inan embodiment, the CPC parameters may be set as R=8, T1=1 and T2=16 fordata operation. This configuration achieves a long sleeping period whenthere is no data to send. The UTRAN may order the UE out of DRX modewhenever there is data to send on the downlink. There is an average ofR/2 subframes of delay to start a downlink packet transmission since theUE is receiving every R subframe. In an embodiment, the CPC parametersmay be set as R=1, T1=4 and T2=8 when downlink delay requirements arestringent or when downlink load is high. Various other values may alsobe used for the CPC parameters to achieve other characteristics.

In an embodiment, the UTRAN (e.g., the RNC) configures the CPCparameters for the UE during call setup, e.g., using Layer 3 (L3)signaling and/or some other signaling. Alternatively or additionally,the UTRAN may configure or modify the CPC parameters through aReconfiguration message during the call. The UTRAN may also configure ormodify the CPC parameters in other manners and/or with other types ofsignaling. For example, the T1, T2 and R values may be sent as part ofsystem information signaled by the Node B. Different T1, T2 and R valuesmay also be defined for different call types.

Table 3 lists actions performed by the UE for each DTX and DRX mode, inaccordance with an embodiment.

TABLE 4 Mode Actions performed by UE DTX T1 Transmit pilot and signalingin each T1-enabled subframe. May transmit data in any T1-enabledsubframe. DTX T2 Transmit pilot and signaling in each T2-enabledsubframe. No transmission of data. DRX Receive signaling on the HS-SCCHin each R-enabled subframe. May receive data on the HS-DSCH according tothe signaling for scheduling information received in any R-enabledsubframe. NO DRX Receive signaling on the HS-SCCH in each subframe. Mayreceive data on the HS-DSCH in any subframe.

FIG. 3 also shows exemplary criteria for transitioning between the DTXand DRX modes. In an embodiment, the UE can autonomously transitionbetween the two DTX modes, e.g., based on data activity at the UE. TheUE may transition from the DTX T2 mode to the DTX T1 mode whenever thereis data to send on the uplink. The UE may transmit just signaling ineach T1-enabled subframe that the UE has no data to send. The UE maytransition from the DTX T1 mode to the DTX T2 mode if there is no datato send on the uplink, e.g., if T2 subframes have passed without anyuplink data transmission.

In an embodiment, the UE may revert to full use of all uplink subframesautonomously and instantaneously. The T1-enabled subframes may besufficient for light and/or expected exchanges of data. The UE may usemore uplink subframes whenever the T1-enabled subframes are insufficientfor the data load at the UE. The UE may, in essence, transition from theDTX T2 mode to the Active mode for data transmission as needed.

In an embodiment, the UE transitions between the DRX mode and the NO DRXmode as directed by the UTRAN, e.g., the Node B. Unlike DTX for theuplink, DRX operation is synchronized between the Node B and the UE. TheNode B may direct the UE to transition to the DRX mode based on any ofthe following: (1) downlink traffic load for the UE is light, (2)downlink data rate is below a threshold and may be served at a reducedsubframe rate, (3) there is lack of data activity for the UE, (4) a dataqueue for the UE has been empty for some time or has just been emptied,or (5) some other reason. While in the DRX mode, the UE may ignoredownlink subframes that are not R-enabled subframes. The Node B maydirect the UE to transition to the NO DRX mode based on any of thefollowing: (1) data for the UE has just arrived, (2) downlink trafficload for the UE is heavy, (3) the data queue for the UE is above athreshold or is growing at a faster rate than the transmission rate tothe UE, (4) cell loading is heavy, or (5) some other reason. In the NODRX mode, the UE receives signaling (e.g., decodes the HS-SCCH) in everysubframe and may receive data as indicated by the signaling.

In an embodiment, to achieve fast transition between the DRX mode andthe NO DRX mode, the commands to transition between these modes are sentusing fast Layer 1 (L1) and/or Layer 2 (L2) signaling from the Node B tothe UE. For example, a single L1/L2 fast signaling bit may be used toenable or disable the DRX mode. The fast L1/L2 signaling provides theNode B with a fast mechanism to revert to full use of all availabledownlink subframes and may improve synchronization between the Node Band the UE. Sending L1/L2 signaling from the Node B to the UE may incura delay of approximately 5 to 8 ms whereas sending L3 signaling from theRNC to the UE may incur a delay of 100 ms or more. Nevertheless, thecommands to transition between modes may be sent using signaling in anylayer and in any manner.

The command to transition from the NO DRX mode to the DRX mode isreferred to as Node B order #1. The command to transition from the DRXmode to the NO DRX mode is referred to as Node B order #2. The UTRAN(e.g., the Node B) may send Node B order #1 whenever the UTRAN wants toensure that both the UTRAN and the UE operate in the DRX mode. The UTRANmay send Node B order #2 whenever the UTRAN wants to ensure that boththe UTRAN and the UE operate in the NO DRX mode.

HSDPA and HSUPA employ hybrid automatic retransmission (HARQ) to improvereliability of data transmission. HARQ for HSDPA and HARQ for HSUPAoperate in similar manner. For HSDPA, HARQ retransmissions may be sentanytime after a minimum delay, e.g., 6 to 8 TTIs. For HSUPA, HARQretransmissions are sent 8 TTIs later.

For HSDPA, an HARQ entity at the Node B processes and transmits a packetto the UE. A corresponding HARQ entity at the UE receives and decodesthe packet. The UE sends an ACK if the packet is decoded correctly or aNAK if the packet is decoded in error. The Node B retransmits the packetif a NAK is received and transmits a new packet if an ACK is received.The Node B transmits the packet once and may retransmit the packet anynumber of times until an ACK is received for the packet or the Node Bdecides to abandon the transmission of the packet.

The Node B may transmit packets on up to eight HARQ processes to the UE.The HARQ processes may be viewed as HARQ channels used to send packets.The Node B receives downlink packets to send to the UE and transmitsthese packets in sequential order to the UE on the available HARQprocesses. Each packet is sent on one HARQ process and includes an HARQprocess ID (HID) that indicates the HARQ process used for that packet.Each HARQ process carries one packet at a time until thetransmission/retransmission for that packet is completed and may then beused to send another packet.

If HARQ is used for transmission, then the condition of “no data tosend” for the transition from the DTX T1 mode to the DTX T2 mode maycorrespond to no HARQ process being active. This in turn may be detectedby no activity on any of the HARQ processes. When all HARQ processes areacknowledged, the UE may transition to the DTX T2 mode.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the enabled subframes for HSDPA and HSUPA.In UMTS, the transmission time line is partitioned into frames, witheach frame being identified by the SFN. Each frame has a duration of 10milliseconds (ms) and is partitioned into five subframes 0 through 4.Each subframe has a duration of 2 ms and covers three slots. Each slothas a duration of 0.667 ms and covers 2560 chips at 3.84 Mcps, orT_(slot)=2560 chips.

On the downlink, the P-CCPCH carries pilot and the SFN. The P-CCPCH isused directly as timing reference for downlink channels and is usedindirectly as timing reference for uplink channels. The subframes of theHS-SCCH are time-aligned with the P-CCPCH. The subframes of the HS-PDSCHare delayed by τ_(HS-PDSCH)=2T_(slot) from the subframes of the HS-SCCH.The subframes of the E-HICH are delayed by τ_(E-HICH,n) from thesubframes of the HS-SCCH, where τ_(E-HICH,n) is defined in 3GPP TS25.211.

On the uplink, the subframes of the HS-DPCCH are delayed by 7.5 slotsfrom the subframes of the HS-PDSCH at the UE, where τ_(PD) in FIG. 4denotes the propagation delay from the Node B to the UE. The uplinkDPCCH, E-DPCCH, and E-DPDCH are time-aligned and their frame timing ism×256 chips from the frame timing of the HS-DPCCH. The timing of theuplink DPCCH is not directly related to the timing of the HS-DPCCH. Theframe timing for the downlink and uplink channels is described in 3GPPTS 25.211.

FIG. 4 also shows an exemplary CPC configuration with T1=4, T2=8, R=4,and Offset=1. In this example, the T1-enabled subframes on the uplinkDPCCH, E-DPCCH, E-DPDCH, and E-HICH are spaced apart by 4 subframes. TheT2-enabled subframes on the uplink DPCCH are spaced apart by 8subframes. The R-enabled subframes on the HS-SCCH, HS-DPDCH and HS-DPCCHare spaced apart by 4 subframes. The Offset determines the specificsubframes to use for the enabled subframes. The T1-enabled, T2-enabled,and R-enabled subframes may be aligned in time (e.g., as described inTR25.903, section 4.5.2.1) to reduce rise-over-thermal (ROT) and toextend possible sleep time for the UE between the enabled subframes. Forexample, transmissions on the uplink (including ACKs for downlinktransmissions) may be clubbed or combined together to reduce ROT at theNode B. Transmissions on the downlink (including ACKs for uplinktransmissions) may also be clubbed together to reduce wake up time atthe wireless device.

FIG. 5A shows exemplary operation of the UE in the DTX T1 mode for theCPC configuration shown in FIG. 4. The UE transmits pilot and signaling(e.g., TPC) on the uplink DPCCH and signaling (e.g., CQI) on theHS-DPCCH in each T1-enabled subframe. If the UE has data to send in agiven T1-enabled subframe, then the UE transmits signaling on theE-DPCCH, transmits data on the E-DPDCH, and receives ACK/NAK on theE-HICH.

FIG. 5B shows exemplary operation of the UE in the DTX T2 mode for theCPC configuration shown in FIG. 4. The UE transmits pilot and signaling(e.g., TPC) on the uplink DPCCH and signaling (e.g., CQI) on theHS-DPCCH in each T2-enabled subframe. The UE does not transmit signalingon the E-DPCCH, does not transmit data on the E-DPDCH, and does notreceive ACK/NAK on the E-HICH.

FIG. 5C shows exemplary operation of the UE in the DRX mode for the CPCconfiguration shown in FIG. 4. The UE receives signaling on the HS-SCCHin each R-enabled subframe. The UE may receive data on the HS-DPDCH inany R-enabled subframe and may then send ACK/NAK on the HS-DPCCH.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C, CQI reports are sent inthe T1-enabled subframes in the DTX T1 mode and in the T2-enabledsubframes in the DTX T2 mode. In another embodiment, CQI reports aresent in the R-enabled subframes. The UE may also send additional CQIreports when sending ACKs/NAKs. The additional CQI reports may be usedfor retransmissions or new transmissions.

In an embodiment, the two DTX modes and the DRX mode may be definedindependently of one another. In another embodiment, the DTX and DRXmodes are jointly parameterized, e.g., to time align the T1-enabledsubframes with the R-enabled subframes. This embodiment may extend sleeptime and enhance battery savings for the UE. In yet another embodiment,the spacing of T1 and R is such that subframes used for retransmissionsare automatically enabled subframes.

In an embodiment, the UTRAN (e.g., the Node B) expects uplinktransmission from the UE only in the T1-enabled subframes. In anotherembodiment, the UTRAN expects uplink transmission from the UE in allsubframes and thus always listens for the UE. Since the UE canautonomously transition between the DTX T1 mode and the DTX T2 mode, theUTRAN may not receive uplink transmissions in some T1-enabled subframes.The UTRAN may determine whether the UE transmits the uplink DPCCH ineach T1-enabled subframe (e.g., based on the pilot) and may discard thereceived signaling (e.g., TPC bits for downlink power control) if thepilot is absent or is of insufficient quality.

In an embodiment, the UE expects downlink transmissions from the UTRANin the R-enabled subframes while in the DRX mode and in any subframewhile in the NO DRX mode. The UE may discard signaling (e.g., TPC bitsfor uplink power control) that does not correspond to a transmissionsent by the UE. The UE starts DRX operation upon receiving Node B order#1 and stops DRX operation upon receiving Node B order #2.

If there is at least one HARQ process active, then the UE attempts totransmit using the T1-enabled subframes. If the UTRAN expects uplinktransmissions from the UE in all subframes, then the UE may use othersubframes if the T1-enabled subframes are not sufficient. The UE doesnot DTX more than (T1-1) subframes while there is at least one HARQprocess active. If there are no active HARQ processes, then the UEtransmits pilot and signaling (e.g., CQI) on the T2-enabled subframesand does not DTX more than (T2-1) subframes.

FIG. 6A shows exemplary uplink transmissions for a CPC configurationwith T1=4=8 ms and T2=8=16 ms. In this example, the UE may receivevocoder packets from upper layer every 20 ms. Line 1 in FIG. 6A showsvocoder packets received by the UE. Lines 2 through 5 show packettransmissions and retransmissions for different maximum numbers ofretransmissions (N). The T1-enabled subframes are represented by circlesin lines 2 through 5. The T2-enabled subframes are every other circle inlines 2 through 5 and are indicated by label “T2e” above line 2. The UEtransitions to the DTX T1 mode upon receiving the first packet 0 fortransmission to the UTRAN.

For N=1 retransmission in line 2, packet 0 is received in subframe S₁and sent in T1-enabled subframes S₁ and S₃, packet 1 is received insubframe S₄ and sent in T1-enabled subframes S₅ and S₇, and so on. Pilotand CQI are sent in T1-enabled subframes, including subframes S₂, S₆,S₉, S₁₃ and S₁₅ without any data transmission. HARQ processes forpackets 0, 1, 2 and 3 are completed after subframe S₁₄. The UEtransitions to the DTX T2 mode in subframe S₁₆ and sends pilot and CQIin T2-enabled subframes S₁₇ and S₁₉. The UE transitions to the DTX T1mode upon receiving packet 4 in subframe S₂₁ and sends this packet inT1-enabled subframes S₂₂ and S₂₄.

For N=2 retransmissions in line 3, packet 0 is received in subframe S₁and sent in T1-enabled subframes S₁, S₃ and S₆, packet 1 is received insubframe S₄ and sent in T1-enabled subframes S₅, S₇ and S₉, and so on.Pilot and CQI are sent in T1-enabled subframes, including subframes S₂and S₁₅ without any data transmission. HARQ processes for packets 0, 1,2 and 3 are completed after subframe S₁₆. The UE transitions to the DTXT2 mode in subframe S₁₈ and sends pilot and CQI in T2-enabled subframesS₁₉. The UE transitions to the DTX T1 mode upon receiving packet 4 insubframe S₂₁ and sends this packet in T1-enabled subframes S₂₂ and S₂₄.

The packet transmission and retransmission occur in similar manner forN=3 retransmissions in line 4 and N=4 retransmissions in line 5.Multiple packets may be sent in some T1-enabled subframes.

FIG. 6B shows exemplary uplink transmissions for the CPC configurationwith T1=4=8 ms and T2=8=16 ms. In this example, the UE receives vocoderpackets from upper layer every 20 ms. The UE does not transition to theDTX T2 mode because at least one HARQ process is active during theentire time duration shown in FIG. 6B. More than two packets may be sentin a given T1-enabled subframe for N=4 retransmissions.

FIG. 7 shows exemplary downlink and uplink transmissions in the CPCmode. At time L₁, the UE operates in the DRX mode upon receiving Node Border #1 and also autonomously selects the DTX T2 mode. At time L₂, theUE has data to send, transitions to the DTX T1 mode, and transmitspacket A. At time L₃, the UE transitions to the NO DRX mode uponreceiving Node B order #2 and thereafter receives packets 0 through 5.At time L₄, the UE transitions to the DTX T2 mode following a period ofno activity after sending packet A. At time L₅, the UE has data to send,transitions to the DTX T1 mode, and transmits packets B through F. Attime L₆, the UE transitions to the DTX T2 mode following a period of noactivity. At time L₇, the UE transitions to the DRX mode upon receivingNode B order #1. At time L₈, the UE has data to send, transitions to theDTX T1 mode, and transmits packets G through I. At time L₉, the UEtransitions to the DTX T2 mode following a period of no activity. Attime L₁₀, the UE transitions to the NO DRX mode upon receiving Node Border #2 and thereafter receives packets 6 through 8. At time L₁₁, theUE transitions to the DRX mode upon receiving Node B order #1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the UTRAN sends Node B orders todirect the UE to transition between the DRX mode and the NO DRX mode.The Node B orders (e.g., #1 and #2) may be sent in various manners. Ingeneral, it is desirable to send the Node B orders using a reliablemechanism since these orders affect network operation and performance.This may be achieved by sending the Node B orders on a control channelwith low error probability and/or acknowledgement. In an embodiment, theNode B orders are sent on the HS-SCCH, which is fairly robust and has anACK mechanism. This improves the reliability of the Node B orders andreduces miscommunication problems due to the UTRAN and the UE being indifferent modes.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of an event flow 800 for transitioning fromthe DRX mode to the NO DRX mode based on downlink activity. Thisembodiment assumes that Node B order #2 is sent on the HS-SCCH. TheUTRAN receives downlink packets for the UE. The UTRAN then sends Node Border #2 on the HS-SCCH in the next R-enabled subframe. The averagedelay in sending Node B order #2 is R/2 subframes. The UE receives NodeB order #2 on the HS-SCCH and replies by sending an ACK on the HS-DPCCH.Upon receiving the ACK, the UTRAN can send packets to the UE in anysubframes and is not constrained to the R-enabled subframes. The UTRANmay also send Node B order #1 on the HS-SCCH in similar manner as Node Border #2.

On the downlink, there is an average delay of R/2 subframes to start anew packet transmission to the UE in the DRX mode. The Node B may orderthe UE out of the DRX mode, and the subsequent delay may be reduced toas low as zero. Retransmissions may further delay a new packettransmission. In the embodiment described above, on the uplink, thedelay is under the control of the UE since the UE may transmit in anysubframe. In other embodiments, certain restrictions may be imposed onwhen the UE can start uplink transmission in order to aid detection atthe Node B. For example, the UE may be restricted to start an uplinktransmission in a T1-enabled subframe, a T2-enabled subframe, or someother subframe.

The Node B orders may be sent in various manners. In an embodiment, theUE is assigned a first 16-bit HS-DSCH Radio Network Identifier (H-RNTI)for UE identity (as normally done) and is further assigned a second16-bit H-RNTI for Node B orders. H-RNTI is described in 3GPP TS 25.212,section 4.6. The second H-RNTI provides space of 21 bits for orders andfuture extensions. In another embodiment, one 16-bit H-RNTI is reservedfor broadcasting orders. An order message may include the UE-specificH-RNTI (16 bits), creating space of 5 bits for orders and futureextensions. The Node B orders may also be sent on other control channelsand/or in other manners.

There may be transmission errors and/or detection errors of the Node Borders. The UTRAN and the UE may then operate in different modes. Twodifferent possible error scenarios are described below.

The UTRAN may operate in the DRX mode, and the UE may operate in the NODRX mode. This error situation may arise due to (1) the UTRAN sendingNode B order #1 and the UE failing to detect the order or (2) the UEerroneously detecting Node B order #2 when none was sent. The Node Bwould restrict its downlink transmissions to the R-enabled subframeswhile the UE receives all subframes. The UE consumes extra batterypower, but no data is lost.

The UTRAN may operate in the NO DRX mode, and the UE may operate in theDRX mode. This error situation may arise due to (1) the UE erroneouslydetecting Node B order #1 when none was sent or (2) the UTRAN sendingNode B order #2 and the UE failing to detect the order. The UTRAN maytransmit on any subframe while the UE receives only the R-enabledsubframes. Data transmitted in subframes other than the R-enabledsubframes would be lost. This error situation is detectable. The UTRANmay detect for this type of error and may implement a proper recoverymechanism.

The CPC mode may provide certain advantages. The DTX T1 mode defines acertain minimum duty cycle T1 that may maximize capacity during datatransmission. The UE may synchronize its transmission times with itsreception times to extend its sleep cycle. The UTRAN (e.g., Node B) hasa pattern of known times where uplink transmissions are required or aremore probable. The DTX T2 mode may facilitate synchronization, simplifydetection and search of uplink transmissions, and simplify Node Bimplementation. The UTRAN has knowledge of the minimum set of enabledsubframes, which may reduce impact of searching for the uplink DPCCHfrom the UE at the Node B. For example, the Node B may not search eachsubframe if it knows that uplink transmissions are sent in or startingat T2-enabled subframes. The detection at the Node B may also besimplified compared to a system that does not utilize T2-enabledsubframes. In such a system, it may be harder for the Node B to detect asignal that is transmitted erratically without a known periodicity,which may help energy accumulation/correlation.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the UE may transition from the CPC mode to theActive mode based on any of the following: (1) the amount of downlinkdata to send to the UE (e.g., for a new transport and/or logicalchannel) suggests use of more downlink subframes, (2) the network iscongested and scheduler performance may be improved by allowing thescheduler to freely use all of the downlink subframes, and/or (3) someother reason. The UE may transmit data in any uplink subframe and/orreceive data in any downlink subframe in the Active mode. The Activemode may improve performance at the expense of more battery power. TheUE may transition from the Active mode to the CPC mode based on any ofthe following: (1) traffic load for the UE is light, (2) there is lackof user data activity, or (3) some other reason. The UTRAN can ascertaindownlink data activity of the UE based on the status of the data queuefor the UE and can ascertain uplink data activity of the UE based onreception of status reports of a data buffer maintained by the UE.

In an embodiment, the UTRAN directs the UE to operate in the Active modeor the CPC mode. The UTRAN may direct the UE to switch mode by sending amode switch command or some other signaling. The UTRAN may also directthe UE to transition to the CPC mode by sending the parameters for theCPC mode. In another embodiment, the UE may elect to operate in theActive mode or the CPC mode and may send either a request for a modeswitch (if the decision is made by the UTRAN) or an indication of a modeswitch (if the decision can be made by the UE).

The UTRAN (e.g., the RNC) may command the UE to transition to the CPCmode (e.g., by sending the CPC parameters or a mode switch) whenever theUTRAN wants to ensure that both the UTRAN and the UE are operating inthe CPC mode. The UTRAN may also command the UE to transition to theActive mode whenever the UTRAN wants to ensure that both the UTRAN andthe UE are operating in the Active mode.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the CPC mode includes two DTX modes,one DRX mode, and a no DRX mode. In general, the CPC mode may includeany number of DTX modes, a no DTX mode, any number of DRX modes, a noDRX mode, or any combination thereof. The no DTX mode may be consideredas a special case of the DTX T1 mode with T1=1.

In another embodiment, the CPC mode includes a Connected Deep mode (orsimply, a Deep mode) mode in which the UE has one enabled subframe inevery T3 subframes on the uplink and one enabled subframe in every R2subframes on the downlink. In general, T3 and R2 may be defined as T3≧T2and R2≧R. T3 and R2 may be set to large values, e.g., much larger thanT2 and R, respectively, or possibly infinity. The Deep mode may bedisabled by setting T3=T2 and/or R2=R.

In the Deep mode, the UE may (a) stop listening or listen veryinfrequently to the downlink and (b) stop transmitting or transmit veryinfrequently on the uplink. The UE may measure the CPICH and P-CCPCH andmay decode the HS-SCCH of the serving and surrounding Node Bs in theR2-enabled subframes. The UE may update its Active Set of Node Bs, ifnecessary, based on the measurements. The UE may ignore TPC commandssent by the Node B to adjust the transmit power of the UE. The UE maytransition out of the Deep mode based on various triggering events,e.g., if the UE receives data in its buffer or receives a packet on thedownlink. If any triggering event occurs, then the UE may transition to(a) the DTX T1 mode, the DTX T2 mode, or the no DTX mode fortransmission on the uplink and (b) the DRX mode or the no DRX mode forreception on the downlink. While in the Deep mode, UE synchronization atthe Node B is likely lost. A procedure may be used to re-activate the UEfrom the Deep mode. This re-activation may be accompanied by asufficiently long DPCCH preamble to allow the closed-loop power controlmechanism to bring the transmit power of the UE back to the proper powerlevel.

For clarity, the techniques have been specifically described for UMTS.The CPC mode may be a mode or a configuration of the CELL_DCH state, asshown in FIG. 2. The CPC mode may also be employed in other manners inUMTS.

The techniques described herein may also be used for other communicationnetworks, other channel structures, other frame and subframe structures,and/or other transmission schemes. The techniques may be used for HARQas well as non-HARQ transmissions.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a process 900 performed by a wirelessdevice for operation in a CPC mode. While in the connected mode, thewireless device operates in one of multiple DTX modes or a no DTX modefor transmission to a wireless network (block 910). The wireless devicealso operates in one of at least one DRX mode or a no DRX mode forreception from the wireless network (block 920). Each DTX mode may beassociated with different subframes usable for sending signaling and/ordata to the wireless network. The no DTX mode may be associated with allsubframes being usable for sending signaling and/or data to the wirelessnetwork. Each DRX mode may be associated with different subframes usablefor receiving signaling and/or data from the wireless network. The noDRX mode may be associated with all subframes being usable for receivingsignaling and/or data from the wireless network. The wireless device mayoperate in any of the following: (1) DTX and DRX, (2) DTX and no DRX,(3) no DTX and DRX, or (4) no DTX and no DRX.

The multiple DTX modes may comprise first and second DTX modes. In thefirst DTX mode, the wireless device may transmit signaling in firstenabled subframes and may transmit data in the first enabled subframesif there is data to send to the wireless network (block 912). In thesecond DTX mode, the wireless device may transmit signaling in secondenabled subframes (block 914). In an embodiment, the wireless devicesends signaling for Layer 1 (e.g., pilot, TPC, CQI, and so on) and maysend signaling for higher layers in the first DTX mode, and sends onlyLayer 1 signaling in the second DTX mode. In general, the wirelessdevice may be allowed to send different types of signaling or may berestricted to send only certain types of signaling in each DTX mode. Thesignaling sent in the first DTX mode may thus be the same as ordifferent from the signaling sent in the second DTX mode. The at leastone DRX mode may comprise a single DRX mode. In the DRX mode, thewireless device may receive signaling in third enabled subframes and mayreceive data in the third enabled subframes if the signaling indicatesdata being sent to the wireless device (block 922). The first enabledsubframes may be a subset of the subframes available for the uplink andmay be spaced apart by T1 subframes. The second enabled subframes may bea subset of the first enabled subframes and may be spaced apart by T2subframes. The third enabled subframes may be a subset of the subframesavailable for the downlink and may be spaced apart by R subframes. T1,T2, and/or R may be configurable parameters.

The wireless device may autonomously transition between the multiple DTXmodes and may autonomously transition to a no DTX mode based on dataload at the wireless device (block 916). The wireless device maytransition between the at least one DRX mode and a no DRX mode based onsignaling from the wireless network (block 924). The wireless device mayalso transition between an active mode and the CPC mode based onsignaling from the wireless network. The active mode may correspond toall subframes being usable for transmission and reception.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a process 1000 performed by a wirelessnetwork for the CPC mode. The wireless network receives from a wirelessdevice operating in one of multiple DTX modes or a no DTX mode while ina connected mode (block 1010). The wireless network transmits to thewireless device operating in one of at least one DRX mode or a no DRXmode while in the connected mode (block 1020).

The multiple DTX modes may comprise first and second DTX modes. When thewireless device operates in the first DTX mode, the wireless network mayreceive signaling from the wireless device in first enabled subframesand may receive data from the wireless device in the first enabledsubframes if the signaling indicates data being sent (block 1012). Whenthe wireless device operates in the second DTX mode, the wirelessnetwork may receive signaling from the wireless device in second enabledsubframes (block 1014). The wireless network may detect for signalingfrom the wireless device in all subframes available for the uplink(block 1016). The at least one DRX mode may comprise a single DRX mode.When the wireless device operates in the DRX mode, the wireless networkmay transmit signaling in third enabled subframes and may transmit datain the third enabled subframes if there is data to send to the wirelessdevice (block 1022). The wireless network may send signaling to directthe wireless device to transition between the DRX mode and a no DRX mode(block 1024). The wireless network may also send signaling to direct thewireless device to transition between the active mode and the CPC mode.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of UE 110, Node B 130,and RNC 140 in FIG. 1. On the uplink, data and signaling to be sent byUE 110 are processed (e.g., formatted, encoded, and interleaved) by anencoder 1122 and further processed (e.g., modulated, channelized, andscrambled) by a modulator (Mod) 1124 to generate output chips. Atransmitter (TMTR) 1132 then conditions (e.g., converts to analog,filters, amplifies, and frequency upconverts) the output chips andgenerates an uplink signal, which is transmitted via an antenna 1134. Onthe downlink, antenna 1134 receives a downlink signal transmitted byNode B 130. A receiver (RCVR) 1136 conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies,frequency downconverts, and digitizes) the received signal from antenna1134 and provides samples. A demodulator (Demod) 1126 processes (e.g.,descrambles, channelizes, and demodulates) the samples and providessymbol estimates. A decoder 1128 further processes (e.g., deinterleavesand decodes) the symbol estimates and provides decoded data. Encoder1122, modulator 1124, demodulator 1126, and decoder 1128 may beimplemented by a modem processor 1120. These units perform processing inaccordance with the radio technology (e.g., W-CDMA or cdma2000) used bythe network.

A controller/processor 1140 directs the operation of various units at UE110. Controller/processor 1140 may perform process 900 in FIG. 9 and/orother processes for the techniques described herein. A memory 1142stores program codes and data for UE 110, e.g., parameters and ordersfor CPC operation.

FIG. 11 also shows an embodiment of Node B 130 and RNC 140. Node B 130includes a controller/processor 1150 that performs various functions forcommunication with UE 110, a memory 1152 that stores program codes anddata for Node B 130, and a transceiver 1154 that supports radiocommunication with UE 110. Controller/processor 1150 may perform process1000 in FIG. 10 and/or other processes for the techniques describedherein and may also send Node B orders to UE 110 in the CPC mode. RNC140 includes a controller/processor 1160 that performs various functionsto support communication for UE 110 and a memory 1162 that storesprogram codes and data for RNC 140. Controller/processor 1160 mayconfigure the CPC mode and may direct transition between the Active modeand the CPC mode for UE 110.

Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signalsmay be represented using any of a variety of different technologies andtechniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information,signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout theabove description may be represented by voltages, currents,electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields orparticles, or any combination thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented aselectronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. Toclearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software,various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the describedfunctionality in varying ways for each particular application, but suchimplementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing adeparture from the scope of the present invention.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a general-purpose processor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in asoftware module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Anexemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that theprocessor can read information from, and write information to, thestorage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integralto the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in anASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, theprocessor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in auser terminal.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein.

1. A wireless device comprising: at least one processor to operate inone of multiple discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode,while in a connected mode, for transmission to a wireless network, andto operate in one of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode ora no DRX mode, while in the connected mode, for reception from thewireless network; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor,wherein said wireless device is adapted to transition to another DTXmode wherein operating in the another DTX mode comprises transmittingsignaling in second enabled subframes corresponding to a subset of firstenabled subframes.
 2. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein each DTXmode is associated with different subframes usable for sending data, orsignaling, or both data and signaling to the wireless network.
 3. Thewireless device of claim 1, wherein each DRX mode is associated withdifferent subframes usable for receiving data, or signaling, or bothdata and signaling from the wireless network.
 4. The wireless device ofclaim 1, wherein the multiple DTX modes comprise a first DTX mode, andwherein in the first DTX mode the at least one processor transmitssignaling in first enabled subframes corresponding to a subset ofsubframes available for uplink, and transmits data in the first enabledsubframes if there is data to send to the wireless network.
 5. Awireless device comprising: at least one processor to operate in one ofmultiple discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, whilein a connected mode, for transmission to a wireless network, and tooperate in one of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or ano DRX mode, while in the connected mode, for reception from thewireless network; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor,wherein the multiple DTX modes comprise a first DTX mode, and wherein inthe first DTX mode the at least one processor transmits signaling infirst enabled subframes corresponding to a subset of subframes availablefor uplink, and transmits data in the first enabled subframes if thereis data to send to the wireless network and wherein the multiple DTXmodes comprise a second DTX mode, and wherein in the second DTX mode theat least one processor transmits signaling in second enabled subframescorresponding to a subset of the first enabled subframes.
 6. A wirelessdevice comprising: at least one processor to operate in one of multiplediscontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in aconnected mode, for transmission to a wireless network, and to operatein one of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRXmode, while in the connected mode, for reception from the wirelessnetwork; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein themultiple DTX modes comprise a first DTX mode, and wherein in the firstDTX mode the at least one processor transmits signaling in first enabledsubframes corresponding to a subset of subframes available for uplink,and transmits data in the first enabled subframes if there is data tosend to the wireless network and wherein the first enabled subframes arespaced apart at intervals of T1 subframes, where T1 is a configurableparameter.
 7. The wireless device of claim 5, wherein the second enabledsubframes are spaced apart at intervals of T2 subframes, where T2 is aconfigurable parameter.
 8. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein theat least one DRX mode comprises a first DRX mode, and wherein in thefirst DRX mode the at least one processor receives signaling in enabledsubframes corresponding to a subset of subframes available for downlink,and receives data in the enabled subframes if the signaling indicatesdata being sent to the wireless device.
 9. The wireless device of claim8, wherein the enabled subframes are spaced apart at intervals of Rsubframes, where R is a configurable parameter.
 10. A wireless devicecomprising: at least one processor to operate in one of multiplediscontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in aconnected mode, for transmission to a wireless network, and to operatein one of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRXmode, while in the connected mode, for reception from the wirelessnetwork; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein themultiple DTX modes comprise a DTX mode in which transmit power of thewireless device is not controlled.
 11. The wireless device of claim 1,wherein the multiple DTX modes comprise a DTX mode in which the wirelessdevice does not transmit signaling and data on uplink, and wherein theat least one DRX mode comprises a DRX mode in which the wireless devicedoes not receive signaling and data on downlink.
 12. The wireless deviceof claim 1, wherein the at least one processor receives a configurationof T1, T2, R and offset from the wireless network, with T1 definingspacing between said first enabled subframes for a first DTX mode, T2defining spacing between said second enabled subframes for a second DTXmode, R defining spacing between third enabled subframes for a DRX mode,and the offset from a reference time identifying the first, second andthird enabled subframes.
 13. A wireless device comprising: at least oneprocessor to operate in one of multiple discontinuous transmission (DTX)modes or a no DTX mode, while in a connected mode, for transmission to awireless network, and to operate in one of at least one discontinuousreception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode, while in the connected mode, forreception from the wireless network; and a memory coupled to the atleast one processor, wherein the at least one processor autonomouslytransitions between the multiple DTX modes based on data activity.
 14. Awireless device comprising: at least one processor to operate in one ofmultiple discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, whilein a connected mode, for transmission to a wireless network, and tooperate in one of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or ano DRX mode, while in the connected mode, for reception from thewireless network; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor,wherein the at least one processor autonomously transitions to the noDTX mode based on data load at the wireless device.
 15. The wirelessdevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor transitionsbetween the at least one DRX mode and the no DRX mode based on signalingfrom the wireless network.
 16. A wireless device comprising: at leastone processor to operate in one of multiple discontinuous transmission(DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in a connected mode, fortransmission to a wireless network, and to operate in one of at leastone discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode, while in theconnected mode, for reception from the wireless network; and a memorycoupled to the at least one processor, wherein the at least oneprocessor receives the signaling to transition between the at least oneDRX mode and the no DRX mode from the wireless network via Layer 1 orLayer
 2. 17. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the at least oneprocessor transitions between an active mode and a continuous packetconnectivity (CPC) mode based on signaling from the wireless network,wherein the CPC mode comprises the multiple DTX modes and the at leastone DRX mode, and wherein the active mode comprises the no DTX mode andthe no DRX mode.
 18. A wireless device comprising: at least oneprocessor to operate in a connected mode for communication with awireless network and to operate in one of multiple discontinuoustransmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in the connected mode,for transmission to a wireless network; and a memory coupled to the atleast one processor, wherein said wireless device is adapted totransition to another DTX mode wherein operating in the another DTX modecomprises transmitting signaling in second enabled subframescorresponding to a subset of the first enabled subframes.
 19. A wirelessdevice comprising: at least one processor to operate in a connected modefor communication with a wireless network and to operate in one of atleast one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode, while inthe connected mode, for reception from the wireless network; and amemory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the at least oneprocessor receives a configuration of T1, T2, R and offset from thewireless network, with T1 defining spacing between first enabledsubframes for a first DTX mode, T2 defining spacing between secondenabled subframes for a second DTX mode, R defining spacing betweenthird enabled subframes for a DRX mode, and the offset identifying thefirst, second and third enabled subframes and wherein said T1-enabled,T2-enabled, and R-enabled subframes are aligned in time to reducerise-over-thermal.
 20. A method comprising: operating in one of multiplediscontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in aconnected mode, for transmission to a wireless network; operating in oneof at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode,while in the connected mode, for reception from the wireless network;and transitioning to another DTX mode wherein operating in the anotherDTX mode comprises transmitting signaling in second enabled subframescorresponding to a subset of first enabled subframes.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the multiple DTX modes comprise a first DTX mode, andwherein operating in the first DTX mode comprises transmitting signalingin the first enabled subframes corresponding to a subset of subframesavailable for uplink, and transmitting data in the first enabledsubframes if there is data to send to the wireless network.
 22. A methodcomprising: operating in one of multiple discontinuous transmission(DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in a connected mode, fortransmission to a wireless network; and operating in one of at least onediscontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode, while in theconnected mode, for reception from the wireless network, wherein themultiple DTX modes comprise a first DTX mode, and wherein operating inthe first DTX mode comprises transmitting signaling in first enabledsubframes corresponding to a subset of subframes available for uplink,and transmitting data in the first enabled subframes if there is data tosend to the wireless network and wherein the multiple DTX modes comprisea second DTX mode, and wherein operating in the second DTX modecomprises transmitting signaling in second enabled subframescorresponding to a subset of the first enabled subframes.
 23. The methodof claim 20, wherein the operating in one of the at least one DRX modecomprises receiving signaling in enabled subframes corresponding to asubset of subframes available for downlink, and receiving data in theenabled subframes if the signaling indicates data being sent to thewireless device.
 24. A method comprising: operating in one of multiplediscontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in aconnected mode, for transmission to a wireless network; operating in oneof at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode,while in the connected mode, for reception from the wireless network;autonomously transitioning between the multiple DTX modes; andautonomously transitioning to the no DTX mode based on data load at thewireless device.
 25. The method of claim 20, further comprising:transitioning between the at least one DRX mode and the no DRX modebased on signaling from the wireless network.
 26. An apparatuscomprising: means for operating in one of multiple discontinuoustransmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode, while in a connected mode,for transmission to a wireless network; means for operating in one of atleast one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode, while inthe connected mode, for reception from the wireless network; means fortransitioning to another DTX mode wherein means for operating in theanother DTX mode comprises means for transmitting signaling in secondenabled subframes corresponding to a subset of the first enabledsubframes.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the multiple DTX modescomprise a first DTX mode, and wherein means for operating in the firstDTX mode comprises means for transmitting signaling in the first enabledsubframes corresponding to a subset of subframes available for uplink,and means for transmitting data in the first enabled subframes if thereis data to send to the wireless network.
 28. An apparatus comprising:means for operating in one of multiple discontinuous transmission (DTX)modes or a no DTX mode, while in a connected mode, for transmission to awireless network; and means for operating in one of at least onediscontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode, while in theconnected mode, for reception from the wireless network, wherein themultiple DTX modes comprise a first DTX mode, and wherein means foroperating in the first DTX mode comprises means for transmittingsignaling in first enabled subframes corresponding to a subset ofsubframes available for uplink, and means for transmitting data in thefirst enabled subframes if there is data to send to the wireless networkand wherein the multiple DTX modes comprise a second DTX mode, andwherein means for operating in the second DTX mode comprises means fortransmitting signaling in second enabled subframes corresponding to asubset of the first enabled subframes.
 29. The apparatus of claim 26,wherein the means for operating in one of the at least one DRX modecomprises means for receiving signaling in enabled subframescorresponding to a subset of subframes available for downlink, and meansfor receiving data in the enabled subframes if the signaling indicatesdata being sent to the wireless device.
 30. An apparatus comprising: atleast one processor to receive from a wireless device operating in oneof multiple discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX modewhile in a connected mode, and to transmit to the wireless deviceoperating in one of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or ano DRX mode while in the connected mode; and a memory coupled to the atleast one processor, wherein said wireless device is adapted totransition to another DIX mode when all HARQ processes are acknowledged.31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the multiple DTX modes comprise afirst DTX mode, and wherein when the wireless device operates in thefirst DTX mode the at least one processor receives signaling from thewireless device in first enabled subframes corresponding to a subset ofsubframes available for uplink, and receives data from the wirelessdevice in the first enabled subframes if the signaling indicates databeing sent by the wireless device.
 32. An apparatus comprising: at leastone processor to receive from a wireless device operating in one ofmultiple discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode whilein a connected mode, and to transmit to the wireless device operating inone of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX modewhile in the connected mode; and a memory coupled to the at least oneprocessor, wherein the multiple DTX modes comprise a first DTX mode, andwherein when the wireless device operates in the first DTX mode the atleast one processor receives signaling from the wireless device in firstenabled subframes corresponding to a subset of subframes available foruplink, and receives data from the wireless device in the first enabledsubframes if the signaling indicates data being sent by the wirelessdevice and wherein the multiple DTX modes comprise a second DTX mode,and wherein when the wireless device operates in the second DTX mode theat least one processor receives signaling from the wireless device insecond enabled subframes corresponding to a subset of the first enabledsubframes.
 33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least oneprocessor detects for signaling from the wireless device in allsubframes available for the uplink.
 34. The apparatus of claim 30,wherein the at least one DRX mode comprises a first DRX mode, andwherein when the wireless device operates in the first DRX mode the atleast one processor transmits signaling to the wireless device inenabled subframes corresponding to a subset of subframes available fordownlink, and transmits data to the wireless device in the enabledsubframes if there is data to send to the wireless device.
 35. Theapparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least one processor sends aconfiguration of T1, T2, R and offset to the wireless device, with T1defining spacing between first enabled subframes for a first DTX mode,T2 defining spacing between second enabled subframes for a second DTXmode, R defining spacing between third enabled subframes for a DRX mode,and the offset from a reference time identifying the first, second andthird enabled subframes.
 36. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the atleast one processor sends signaling to direct the wireless device totransition between the at least one DRX mode and the no DRX mode. 37.The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least one processor sendssignaling to direct the wireless device to transition between an activemode and a continuous packet connectivity (CPC) mode, wherein the CPCmode comprises the multiple DTX modes and the at least one DRX mode, andwherein the active mode comprises the no DTX mode and the no DRX mode.38. A method comprising: receiving from a wireless device operating inone of multiple discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX modewhile in a connected mode; transmitting to the wireless device operatingin one of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRXmode while in the connected mode; and transitioning to another DTX modewhen all HARQ processes are acknowledged.
 39. The method of claim 38,wherein the multiple DTX modes comprise a first DTX mode, and whereinreceiving from the wireless device operating in the first DTX modecomprises receiving signaling from the wireless device in first enabledsubframes corresponding to a subset of subframes available for uplink,and receiving data from the wireless device in the first enabledsubframes if the signaling indicates data being sent by the wirelessdevice.
 40. A method comprising: receiving from a wireless deviceoperating in one of multiple discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes or ano DTX mode while in a connected mode; and transmitting to the wirelessdevice operating in one of at least one discontinuous reception (DRX)mode or a no DRX mode while in the connected mode, wherein the multipleDTX modes comprise a first DTX mode, and wherein receiving from thewireless device operating in the first DTX mode comprises receivingsignaling from the wireless device in first enabled subframescorresponding to a subset of subframes available for uplink, andreceiving data from the wireless device in the first enabled subframesif the signaling indicates data being sent by the wireless device andwherein the multiple DTX modes comprise a second DTX mode, and whereinreceiving from the wireless device operating in the second DTX modecomprises receiving signaling from the wireless device in second enabledsubframes corresponding to a subset of the first enabled subframes. 41.The method of claim 38, wherein the transmitting to the wireless deviceoperating in one of the at least one DRX mode comprises transmittingsignaling to the wireless device in enabled subframes corresponding to asubset of subframes available for downlink, and transmitting data to thewireless device in the enabled subframes if there is data to send to thewireless device.
 42. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving from awireless device operating in one of multiple discontinuous transmission(DTX) modes or a no DTX mode while in a connected mode; and means fortransmitting to the wireless device operating in one of at least onediscontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode while in theconnected mode; and means for transitioning to another DTX mode when allHARQ processes are acknowledged.
 43. The apparatus of claim 42, whereinthe multiple DTX modes comprise a first DTX mode, and wherein means forreceiving from the wireless device operating in the first DTX modecomprises means for receiving signaling from the wireless device infirst enabled subframes corresponding to a subset of subframes availablefor uplink, and means for receiving data from the wireless device in thefirst enabled subframes if the signaling indicates data being sent bythe wireless device.
 44. An apparatus comprising: means for receivingfrom a wireless device operating in one of multiple discontinuoustransmission (DTX) modes or a no DTX mode while in a connected mode; andmeans for transmitting to the wireless device operating in one of atleast one discontinuous reception (DRX) mode or a no DRX mode while inthe connected mode, wherein the multiple DIX modes comprise a first DTXmode, and wherein means for receiving from the wireless device operatingin the first DTX mode comprises means for receiving signaling from thewireless device in first enabled subframes corresponding to a subset ofsubframes available for uplink, and means for receiving data from thewireless device in the first enabled subframes if the signalingindicates data being sent by the wireless device and wherein themultiple DTX modes comprise a second DTX mode, and wherein means forreceiving from the wireless device operating in the second DTX modecomprises means for receiving signaling from the wireless device insecond enabled subframes corresponding to a subset of the first enabledsubframes.
 45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the means fortransmitting to the wireless device operating in one of the at least oneDRX mode comprises means for transmitting signaling to the wirelessdevice in enabled subframes corresponding to a subset of subframesavailable for downlink, and means for transmitting data to the wirelessdevice in the enabled subframes if there is data to send to the wirelessdevice.